Tape Sees Trap Door Risk

The market was up 260 points. A split second later we were 100 points lower.

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Editor's Note: This content was posted this afternoon in real time on our Buzz & Banter and ar enow being republished for the benefit of the Minyanville community.

Look at me, I'm A.D.D. - 2:41

OK, seriously...have you ever had one of those days? Not in a bad, money losing sorta way (we've all had those days). I'm talking about feeling like you're running to stand still and, when you get to where you thought you should be, you've gotta get going? Hand raised over here!

Some "3/4 to the top-line" vibes:

I was just musing with Television's Jeff Macke® on the horn about how ridiculous it is that the "easy" trade was buying 'em into the abyss last week and the hard trade is staying long 'em. I told 'em it was even harder when you're right on the side but begrudgingly participating. Bungee of discord vs. wall of worry? Yeah, what he said.

No seriously, and stop calling me Shirley! Hoofy continues to sniff out a rally with immersive breadth. I'm not talking market internals--which are 2:1 positive--I'm referring to industry participation. The homies and financials are good starts. And the trannies help, up 3.5%. Now beta is getting into it, which is nice. One step at a time.

With all that said and respected, my intention is to lighten up (win lose or draw) as we get closer to S&P 1405. I might even take a schnitzel on the short side of the financials with defined risk (Citigroup (C) $30?), if and when, which is my preferred side despite playing 'em on the long side of late. It's that whole "journey vs. the path that we take to get there" thang.

Net/net? I view this as a bear market rally with a conscious nod that central banks, Hammering Hank, The PPT, Stimulus packages, rate freezes, social programs and financial re-engineering are ALL trying to jack us higher.

As I said last night on Fox Business Happy Hour, I'm 75-25 that this is 2001 rather than a 1998 redeux. I've been wrong before, which is why I wanna take it one step at a time.

Thanks for listening... and thanks for the Minyanship! Fare ye well into the swell.

For deux, I'm losing some long side exposure in here as a dual function of discipline and S&P resistance, which we've been eyeing for a while. We've still got some room but I draw levels with a crayon, not a pencil. Are you really that surprised?

I'm keeping some exposure, mind you, but when I don't kill it loaded to the gills (for me) in a +260 tape, it's "know thyself" time to take a step back and a deep breath.

Really? - 4:12 pmHonest Abe here to report that I buzzed this to the 'Ville but, consistent with Mercury Retrograde, it was lost in space. I reprise it with the understanding that the market is already closed. Grr and Grr--rrr!

When I posted my previous Buzz, the market was in fact up 260 points. I glanced lower--a split second--and we were 100 points lower. That's what we call "trap door risk" from back in the day. Trap door indeed.

As soon as I sniffed out the FGIC news, I managed to scoop some puts in the financials--Citigroup (C) and Bear Stearns (BSC),which were the first two I could get my hands on--purely for balance. As discussed, I made sales in my long exposure (better lucky than smart) but wanted to keep some inventory (Schering Plough (SGP), among others).

Instead of hoping, I paired my risk. I've still got sector exposure but hey, that's old hat by now!

Anyway, that's about as much as I can remember at present. And I'll sleep better--one would think--knowing that I'm two-sided and much smaller.

Have a mindful night, Mon Frere, and we'll pick up the scent in the ayem.

Todd Harrison is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Minyanville. Prior to his current role, Mr. Harrison was President and head trader at a $400 million dollar New York-based hedge fund. Todd welcomes your comments and/or feedback at todd@minyanville.com.

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